Overview

This project focuses on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs in the troubled Rakhine State. With the backing of an experienced partner, this project targets a population of 15,740 in 10 villages - 5 Muslim and 5 Buddhist - who have no access to clean water. 300 bio- sand filters (BSF) will be made and distributed to families together with WASH training, delivering clean water for the first time to these areas. The focus on training locals in both the knowledge and the skills to continue to maintain and improve the water and sanitation infrastructure ensures not only that results will be sustainable, but outcomes will also improve over time.

Why support this

Rakhine State is the poorest in Myanmar with almost half the state living below $1.60 per day, 75% having no electricity and 65% suffering from malnutrition. The WASH project provides education on hygiene awareness and ensures access to clean drinking water and adequate sanitation. Villagers can proactively prevent disease outbreaks and epidemics. This is crucial as the villagers may face challenges in accessing healthcare due to financial constraints and logistical limitations. The area suffers from natural disasters and there is fighting between local factions and the military regime causing instability.

Budget

$32,000 for year 1 of a 2yr project. Total budget $63,500

Expected Life Change

• Improved health with fewer incidents of water borne diseases
• A community empowered to continue to improve and to take care of its own development
• Sustainable livelihood development through the promotion of WASH information and a bio-sand filter manufacturing centre resulting in jobs for local community members